SXSW is pleased to announce 50 startup finalists for the 10th annual SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event®! Representing the most leading-edge technologies from around the world, the 50 finalists will compete in front of a live audience of industry experts, venture capitalists, and high-profile media during SXSW 2018.

Since its inaugural year, 403 participating companies have raised a total of $4.63 billion in funding. Of these 403 companies, 16 percent have been acquired by the likes of Google, Huffington Post, Apple, Live Nation, OpenTable and more. The SXSW Accelerator program continues to set the bar for early-stage startups and SXSW 2018 marks the event’s tenth year and largest to date with a record setting 600+ applications. Participating finalists include companies from around the globe, including China, Germany, the UK, Netherlands, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“The dramatic rise in applicants we’ve seen for the 10th anniversary of our Pitch Event is a solid indicator that SXSW Accelerator has truly become a stage for the tech industry’s best and brightest,” said SXSW Accelerator Event Producer Chris Valentine. “The entries showcase innovations at the cutting-edge of trends in tech — from augmented and virtual reality simulators to blockchain and fintech disruptors. We are excited to reveal the recipient of the very first ‘Best in Show’ award at the event, and to celebrate the entire cast of thought leaders who entered the competition while offering well-deserved recognition to one truly standout company.”

Congratulations to everyone who will be showcasing their products March 10-12 during the Startup & Tech Sectors Track at the Downtown Hilton Austin. View the full list of 2018 Finalists and Alternates here.

Join us in March to celebrate these outstanding companies during live pitch presentations featuring 25 companies on Saturday, March 10 and 25 companies on Sunday, March 11. Meet the 40+ Judges and awards ceremony Emcees selected for the tenth annual event.

From the 10 different tech categories, one winner will be selected from each and announced at the SXSW Accelerator Awards Ceremony on March 11. For the first time this year, the event will also announce a “Best in Show” winner to honor the event’s 10th anniversary. Following the ceremony, registrants have the opportunity to meet the finalists at the SXSW Accelerator Demo Day on Monday, March 12.